How to Protect Your Garden from Bad Weather

In the UK we’re used to unpredictable weather. Come rain or shine, we’re not often surprised by either. However, when extreme weather comes around (like Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice!) comes along, we may feel unprepared. We’ve put together these top tips on how to protect your garden from bad weather.

Note: Make sure you take care during adverse weather. It’s important to stay safe and keep all unnecessary travel to a minimum.

Tidy Up

If the weather isn’t too bad yet and you can make it outside, try to have a tidy up. Anything that’s lose, such as planters, chairs, tables and tools should be put away in your shed or garage. This can help prevent damage and stop you from having to pay for replacement items if they were to get damaged.

Potted Plants

Place potted plants in a group together and in a place sheltered from wind if possible. Alternatively, you can lay them on their sides to reduce the risk of strong winds blowing them over and damaging both your plant and pot.

Hanging Baskets

If you have any number of hanging baskets, make sure you take these down before strong gusts arrive. The last thing you want to see is your favourite basket flying into your neighbour's garden! Hanging baskets can be dangerous in stormy conditions as they may knock into your windows and cause a lot of damage.

Secure your Vines

Make sure your climbing plants and vines are strongly supported. You can do this by adding extra supports and more twine. This will reduce their range of movement and help to protect them from bad weather.

Check your Trees

Once you’ve tidied everything away, check your trees and shrubbery for any broken or loose branches. Doing this can help stop branches from ripping off and prevent extensive physical damage as a result.

Tall trees are also a huge risk factor when storms approach. These can be susceptible to strong winds due to their height and extremely dangerous if they fall. Keep an eye on them when there are adverse weather conditions and ring the appropriate authorities if you suspect it may fall.

Clear your Gutters

Last but not least, it’s important to make sure your gutters are completely clear. Stormy conditions mean there will be a lot of rain and wind. Blocked gutters can lead to water pouring over and running down the side of your house and cause damp and mould. In worst case scenarios, drains that are blocked by leaves can result in flooding.